TESTING SERVICES

The Herb Centre offers a range of testing services over the counter in our store and through our naturopaths in the clinic. For more information visit our dispensary or contact our clinic on 03 365 3011.

Zinc Status

Our zinc stats test is a simple taste test to assess zinc deficiencies. You take 10ml of a liquid zinc and hold it in your mouth for 10 seconds then swallow. We will ask you about the taste and feeling and then match your description with a zinc deficiency status and recommend an appropriate dosage of zinc, if necessary. Zinc is crucial for the body especially for the immune system, reproductive and men's health.

Thyroid Function Testing

The function of the thyroid gland can be determined by simply measuring your basal body temperature. This is one of the simplest and accurate thyroid tests. This is done by recording your temperature for 10 minutes first thing in the morning while still in bed. Ideally you basal metabolic temperature should be 36.4°C to 36.7°C.

By charting your basal metabolic temperature for several days, we can assess if your thyroid is over or under active. It can also help to identify your cortisol and oestrogen levels.

Allergy Food Panel Test/Intolerance Allergen Testing

There are two different options for allergy testing offered by our naturopaths.

Allergy Food Panel test is a blood test and measures IgG & IgE immune mediated responses. It needs to be sent to a testing laboratory and takes up to two weeks to get results. This type of testing can test a large range of allergens (food only). It does require you to stop certain medications and expose yourself to suspected allergens to get a true result. Naturopath Michael Woods offers this type of testing.

BICOM Bioresonance therapy is a diagnostic method that can identify intolerances by reading the bodies reaction to specific substances. This electro-acupuncture testing method can test over 100 of the most common allergens (food and environmental) and is painless and non-invasive. Naturopaths Vanessa Winter and Maria Hoogeveen offer this type of testing for all ages.

Hemaview Live Blood Analysis

Also called live blood analysis, Hemaview is a screening method used to investigate the size, shape and ratio of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This test only requires 1 to 2 drops of your blood. This is then viewed through a microscope allowing you to see your own live cells on a screen.

Hemaview is based on the medical science of hematology and gives accurate and immediate indications of health states. It can help to assess nutritional status, immune health, oxidative stress (free radical damage), inflammation, organ health (i.e. liver). Live blood analysis can not only identify health concerns but also help monitor your health progress. Naturopath Michael Woods offers this type of testing.

Standard Blood Tests

A blood test is used to reveal any deviations outside what is considered ‘normal’ for a wide range of blood components. A blood test can provide information relating to most body systems and can reveal immune system imbalances including infection and inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction and hormonal imbalances to name a few.

Your naturopath can provide a requisition form for you to go to a local laboratory to be tested. Results will be sent directly to your naturopath.

Blood Glucose

This is a simple finger prick test using a small droplet of blood, which is tested by your naturopath with a glucose monitor to assess current blood sugar levels. For optimal health, blood sugar levels normally fall between five and seven and are greatly influenced by what we eat.

Blood sugar levels that regularly fall outside of this range can indicate a disturbance in the body’s ability to handle and process glucose and can be a warning sign that the pancreas is struggling to do its job.

By testing blood glucose levels, early fluctuations can be detected, and we can make supplement, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations can be made to ensure blood sugar levels remain within the optimal range reducing the chances of developing conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.

Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading is a simple and non-invasive test that can be used to assess the state of your cardiovascular health.

A blood pressure that falls outside the normal range can be the first sign that the cardiovascular system needs support. Often simple supplements, nutritional, and lifestyle changes can be all that is needed to normalise blood pressure without the need for prescription medications.

223 Kilmore Street

Christchurch Central

03 365 3011

Dispensary Hours

Monday - Friday:

9am - 5:30pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Cafe Hours

Monday - Friday:

8am - 4:30pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

HEALTH SURVEY

Our Health Survey results show nutrition, energy, and sleep are top concerns for Christchurch.